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A conceptualization of personality‐related disorders of interpersonal behaviour with implications for treatment
Author(s) -
Perris Carlo
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0879(199910)6:4<239::aid-cpp207>3.0.co;2-b
Subject(s) - conceptualization , psychology , personality disorders , personality , interpersonal communication , psychopathology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , social psychology , artificial intelligence , computer science
This article highlights the problematic aspects with current definitions and classifications of personality disorders. Because of the acknowledged developmental nature of these disorders, a suggestion of an alternative conceptualization derived from a comprehensive interactional model of psychopathology is proposed. Attachment theory and its corollaries constitute the base for the reconceptualization of personality disorders in terms of personality‐related disorders of interpersonal behaviour put forth in the article. Such a reconceptualization appears to be in line with current clinical practice. It counteracts negative attitudes toward patients who are given a personality disorder label, and has important implications for treatment as well as for research. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.